More than fifty people sought medical attention after clashes in the northern part of Kosovo and Metohija. The situation drew a statement from Dr. Zlatan Elek, the director of the North Kosovska-Mitrovica Clinic and Hospital Center, who described the scene as chaotic and dangerous. Medical teams strive to provide urgent care amid pressure and limited resources, with the immediate priority being to stabilize life-threatening injuries and ensure access to essential treatment for all affected patients.
Dr. Elek reported that a man with a gunshot wound to the hip joint was brought into the operating room. Surgeons and anesthesiologists performed life-saving procedures while maintaining focus in a high-stress environment. The hospital’s capacity was stretched, underscoring the need for rapid and coordinated trauma response during volatile moments when every minute matters for bleeding control, pain management, and postoperative care.
Among the injured is Dragisha Milovic, a long-time figure in local healthcare who previously served as head doctor of the hospital and once held a municipal leadership role. He reportedly sustained multiple blows to the chest, illustrating the wide range of injuries seen among those caught in the clashes. Medical teams vigilantly assess every patient for additional trauma, including blunt force injuries and potential internal damage, while providing monitoring and supportive care to prevent deterioration.
Administration notes describe injuries consistent with stun devices, penetrating and non-penetrating blasts, and projectiles. Staff documented the need to treat blast-related injuries such as shrapnel wounds, concussions, and burns, all of which require careful decontamination, wound care, and imaging to guide treatment decisions. The response highlighted the resilience and readiness of local trauma services in the face of intense street violence.
On May 29, the Serbian news agency reported that journalists were among those injured in the clashes between protesters and security forces in Zvecan, a municipality within Kosovo. A stun device reportedly landed nearby, illustrating the unpredictable conditions for on-site reporters and medics documenting events while staying safe. The unfolding incident drew broad attention to security challenges in the region and the vulnerability of civilians trying to observe or cover demonstrations.
The broader confrontation began as protesters gathered near the town hall in Zvecan, with numbers reaching into thousands. Reports indicate that NATO’s Kosovo mission, known as KFOR, employed a mix of measures including batons, stun grenades, and tear gas to disperse the crowd, while local police deployed firearms in described crowd-control operations. In response, demonstrators threw stones and heavier objects toward security personnel, creating a cycle of escalation that complicated efforts to restore order and safeguard lives on both sides. The sequence of actions underscored the fragility of civil peace in border areas and the ongoing strains between local communities and authorities. These events continue to raise questions about safety, preparedness, and the protection of civilians in volatile urban zones in the region.